Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Saturday, April 20
Slowdown
BY DAY
Saturday, December 15 2007
Scotland Yard Gospel Choir @ the Note
Local collective Scotland Yard Gospel Choir drops by the Note for an evening of pretty, good-time chamber pop in support of their latest eponymous opus. Bill Tucker and Opportunity School open and DJ Darren Spitzer spins the hits. Shows starts at 9pm. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased here.
Marcus Schmickler @ Lampo (note new address for venue)
Lampo, and experimental music/media arts organization in Chicago, celebrates its new location (216 W. Chicago Avenue, 2nd Floor, between Franklin and Wells) and its 101st show with the return of Cologne-based multi-channel digital composer Marcus Schmickler, tonight at 9 p.m. Admission is $12. Check the Lampo website, as well as Transmission, for more information.
Firebelly Holiday Art Market
Locally made goods and art will be sold at the Firebelly Holiday Art Market, which will run today from 11am to 5pm at 2701 W. Thomas, 2nd Floor. Half of the day's proceeds will be given to the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance.
Holiday Open House @ Lee Allison's Studio
Local tie designer Lee Allison will unlock his Bucktown studio doors for a holiday open house on December 15th and 16th from 11 am until 6 pm. Stop by the 1820 W. Webster Avenue location to have a few cocktails with the designer and browse his unique neckwear. Check out his website or call 773-276-7172 for more details.
Lost Sounds and Found Films @ Caro D'Offay Gallery
Chicago's science documentary production company curates its second annual benefit of music and movies to raise funds and awareness for their documentary, The Atom Smashers. Mingle with filmmakers, producers and friends of 137 Films in a contemporary art gallery, enjoy one-of-a-kind film performances, the sounds of the Gypsy Rhythm Project and Experimental Instrument Orchestra, a vintage film mash-up of found footage, a silent auction featuring prizes from local artists and merchants, and a preview screening. Light refreshments. 7pm. 2204 W. North Ave. $20. For tickets, visit the Website.
Thrill Jockey 15th Anniversary Show @ Logan Square Auditorium
Thrill Jockey Records celebrates their driver's permit with one gimongous roster of their finest faces. The Sea and Cake, Califone, The Fiery Furnaces, Pit er Pat, ADULT., Bobby Conn, Trans Am, The Zincs, Angela Desevaux... Well, you better just go here to find the full list. Switching between two stages in Logan Square Auditorium, viewers will also be treated to "special guests", opportunities to nab rare merchandise, and one hell of a souvenir: a 70-minute mix culled from the entire Thrill Jockey catalog done by none other than Trey Told 'Em. In case you were wondering, that's Frank from Hearts of Darkness and Greg Gillis from a little solo project he likes to call "Girl Talk". The weekend pass will cost you 50 dollars, and music starts promptly at 7PM on Friday.
Volo's Holiday Wine & Champagne Tasting
Taste up to eleven holiday appropriate wines and enjoy light appetizers in Volo's "Heated Backyard Cabana Patio". Find a wine you can't live without? Represenatives from Lush Wine & Spirits will be on hand to facilitate purchases of your favorite sips. 2:30-5:30pm. $25 in advance, $30 at the door, pending availability. Register online at localwineevents.com.
Sixth Annual Great Chicago Anthrax Scare and Santa Hat Run with Chicago Hash
Chicago Hash House commemorates its 2002 run when police mistook their flour trail marks as anthrax. Suit up in hazmat gear and a Santa hat to join in for an afternoon of drinking and running beginning at The Hidden Shamrock. The registration fee of $39 ($44 day of, pending availability) gets you hash appropriate gear and four hours of open bar and chow through the run. 2pm start. 2723 N Halsted.
Oh No! Doom Open House
Oh No! Doom, an urban art collective/plush toy maker, celebrates the grand opening of its new space -- and the release of its latest plushie, FluffyYukYuk -- with a party tonight. Head to 2955 W. Lyndale between 7pm and 10pm for snacks, drinks and DJs.
Lost Sounds and Found Films
137 Films hosts "Lost Sounds and Found Films," a benefit for their documentary The Atom Smashers, tonight at the Caro D'Offay Gallery, 2204 W. North Ave., from 7 to 11pm. Mingle with the filmmakers, enjoy performances by the Gypsy Rhythm Project and the Experimental Instrument Orchestra, watch clips from The Atom Smashers and a mash-up arrangement of 16mm and Super 8 films and video, and bid on items in a silent auction. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening. $20 gets you in; more info here.
Treleela Tea Tasting @ Provenance
If you dig tea, join other teaophiles at the Lincoln Square location of Provenance (2312 W. Leland) today from 11am-1pm for a free tasting of Treleela Teas, a Chicago-based organic whole leaf tea producer.
Holiday Wine Tasting @ Provenance
A complimentary wine tasting will be held at the Lincoln Square location of Provenance (2312 W. Leland) with local wine distributors H2Vino today from 3-6pm.
the 800 lb. Gorilla in the Room
Artists and companies from Chicago's dance, performance art, and theatre communities join forces for The 800 lb. Gorilla in the Room: (What we're not talking about), answering the question, "What aren't we talking about? As a nation, as a people, as individuals?" Performers include Mordine & Co. Dance Theater, LiveWire Chicago Theatre, Breakbone Dance Co., 3 card molly, HIJACK, and Cristal Sabbagh. Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors. Show starts at 8 pm at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn.
2007 LTH ChanuKwanzaChristadan Festivus
LTH Forum will be holding their holiday party, aka ChanuKwanzaChristadan Festivus, at Manny's Deli (1141 S. Jefferson), one of their Great Neighborhood Restaurants award recipients, tonight at 6pm. Cost is $50. A post-dinner raffle for foodstuffs such as homemade chili oil and a BBQ rub will be held, along with entertainment and a food drive. Click here for information and to register (do it soon!).
Paws and Flow Yoga Class
If loving my dog is wrong, I don't want to be right. Lakeshore Athletic Club at Illinois Center is offering a free 45-minute yoga class for dogs and their owners at noon today. "Paws and Flow" will highlight stretching and flexibility exercises for both of you, as well as an opportunity to meet other dogs and the person holding their leash. Call 312-616-9000 x280 to register.
European Imports Warehouse Sale
European Imports Ltd., a local importer/distributor of the good stuff of Euroeats (cheese, wine, pasta, etc.) will be holding a rare warehouse sale from December 13-15 at their 2475 N. Elston headquarters between 9am and 3:30pm. Get in there for huge discounts! Cash and check only.
